Hello to my devoted followers, I am back and enjoying my little room high above the buy Spanish streets of Madrid. This weekend got me thinking a lot about how lucky I am. As most of you know a year ago this weekend was our house fire, my parents anniversary and anniversary of my moms surgery. It was a very crazy time for my family and rethinking about that and how that hard time passes and we survived and got even closer makes me realize just how blessed I am in life. I have an amazing family, great friends, and opportunities in life that most people dream of and I need to start realizing all my gifts and using them. I am very lucky and am so glad that I have such amazing people in my life.
OK as many of you have noticed I haven't been here that much. Well lets start with a few weekends ago I went to Barcelona. It was beautiful but very cold. There had been some cold fronts that made the normally very temperate sea coast very chilly!!! It was a beautiful city and it was as amazing as I remember. I went there once for 3 days in High school with a tour group called ACIS. This time we went to sites that I hadn't been to before. We arrived there and went on a bus tour so we could see all of the city and get acquainted with the city. We started with the Olympic village which was cool because we were in the area where the Olympics were in 1992 at the same time that the Olympic ceremony was starting in Canada. Other than that we did other museums and cathedrals and it was all very cool. My favorite place was where we looked at the gothic area that had landmarks dating back to Columbus. This trip we went with Christina and Jas and the trip was good to do on our own but everything went wrong. I don't want to go into detail but it started with being over priced for our flights and along the way my roommate got the stomach flu and our hostel didn't have heat. It was one of the first times I had been very upset out the poor quality of customer service available in Europe. The trip ended a little early but we got home late on valentines day and I arrived to a lovely package from my family. It made my day to hang a gift from mom and dad. Its hard to believe that at valentines day I had been gone 6 weeks. It has been so amazing to experiences this life but I do miss my family all the time.
My next big trip came up last weekend when I went to the Canary islands. Me and two roommates left on Friday and we got there to this tropical paradise. Madrid had been cold and rainy and we arrived to over 70 and sunny. We got to the hotel and immediately put on out swimsuits and hit the pool. We were the only ones there since it was 9 in the morning. We had taken a very early flight. Next we walked around to the beach which was also gorgeous, but different than what we are used to. The sand is very dark since it is volcanic sand. Also the island beaches have a lot of rocks and during high tides the waves are very large and violent. So just around sunset its really fun to get in and play in the waves before they get to large. Me and my roommates did this and it was some of the most fun we had all trip. Our hotel was all inclusive so every day we all had dinner together in this dinning room. Dinner was buffet style and was different types of items such as a salad area to a bread area then a cheese table followed my whole rows of main courses. It was so good. The hotel was very nice and our room had an amazing ocean view. We would all get ready and sit on the balcony and watch the sun go down. It was perfect ending to perfect days. The middle two days of the trip the weather was good but only 60 or so with clouds. It was nice because we used these days to relax and explore the town. We were on the island Tenerife which is the biggest but it had a very cozy feel to it. All of the people were very nice and helpful.The final day we were there it was 75 and sunny and all of my roommates and I got burnt. It was painful but worth it when we all came away from the island with lines. My roommate best friend Christina fell in love with the lifeguard....so much that when we all left to eat she managed to take numerous picture of him while he wasn't looking...normally I would be scared if people did this but she is special....That concludes my winter break trip in more detail.
Once we came back we had to study for midterms. I did very well on two midterms and not so well on one but my teacher is new in that class and my midterm is 20% and participation is 30% so i think its obvious that she cares that we attend class and talk rather than what we remember. School is going really well other than that. My dance class is starting to choreograph the final performance....I am getting very excited for it. The guys seem to be dreading it since they have to wear these stupid outfits with tights and hats. The girls get to wear full dresses so our outfits rock!! The class is one of my favorites and hopefully it will end up going good.
This weekend we are going to Paris. Christina has never been so I'm excited to show her around. I have been there before and still love it. We are planning on going to all the major sites in one 3 days so we will be very busy. Were going with our other two roommates but they both have other people to see there so me and christina are going to be on our own. I booked a really cute little hotel called Nicolo. I am so excited because the last time I went the Bastille was closed and this time its open. The Bastille is the french prison that was over taken during the revolution. It will be fun to go back but not as cool as hanging out in Notre Dame with my dad. Last time I went I went in the bell tower with my dad and he kept trying to be a Gargoyle. It was one of the best memories I ever have. I love going to school here because all the time they allow for travel really makes us well rounded. I have met so many people from around the world the I feel that in life I have a better perspective of the real world.
It's a little more than half way through my study abroad period. It's crazy to think that I have been here for that long. It is really nice how I have been able to talk to my family so much while I'm here. Thank god for skype that's all I have to say. Well I am off to dinner! I think I will be writing again before I leave for Paris. Feel free to write back! I love all of you! keep in touch!!! miss you tons too....
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Winter Break may be my new favorite holiday....
Hello All!! Did you miss me?? Well I have recently gotten some harsh words from my lovely sister(not to mention names but it was Erica and she was very feisty)about how I have fallen very far below my promise to blog every other day. Well I am here now to update on everything that has happened lately. Since we last talked I have been to Seville and Barcelona. Both of which were amazing.!!!! When we went to Sevilla we saw a famous bull fighting arena. The castle where Ferdinand and Isabella lived when they sent Columbus to the America's, to the 3rd largest church in the world and saw the sister city to Kansas city which is only remotely cool because my roommate and best friend Christina is from there. She lives on the Plaza in KCMO(Kansas City the Missouri side) where there is an exact replica of the plaza in Sevilla. It was very cool to see it because Christina is like this is so cool!!!!! After about an hour we didn't care anymore but it was cool at first. lol Then we went on a walking tour of the rest of the city. It has so much history it has the tobacco factory that the opera Carmen is written about. It also holds a famous plaza where all of the Star Wars filmed. Who knew such a history town could be so modern at the same time. That trip was so much fun! I would love to go back. Thw whole town was like alittle piece of Florida. There were gardens and orange trees everywhere. You could even eat them if you wanted. We didn't because out guide said they tasted horrible this time of year....but maybe next time.
Then we had a whole week of boring school.......Nothing fun ever happens there...lol Just kidding!! No we had dance class where we learned a whole new dance. I love this class and if you ask my dad he will tell you just how valuable art is because he was billed by SLU a classroom fee and wasn't too happy about it.....No but my classes really are going well. I had my first test last week and got a 99% on it! And it was in Oceanography. It was hard but I studied aton! I absolutely love that class. It is so interesting and my teacher is great.
Last weekend we went to Barcelona. It was one of my favorite trips because I love the city. Other than that part everything else was horrible....Our Hostel didn't turn on the heat and it was 40 Degrees, the airline messed up our flights and over charged me but wouldn't refund me, my roommate was sick, my parents were too busy to talk to me.....it was just a mess. I highly recommend going to Barcelona because it is so beautiful and historic and fun. Everything about the city is Spanish. The whole place has history from Columbus, to the Olympics to the industrial revolution. You can't throw a rock there with out hitting a monument. We ended out trip a little early to get home and away from the troubles and I arrived in Madrid to find my parents had sent me the best package for valentines day ever!!! It has cami's and nail polish and candy and hot chocolate.!!! It really made me feel better and stop making me miss home! It was perfect. Then I started getting excited because they will be coming to visit me soon.....
They are visiting over easter break!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to show them everything I love about Madrid!
Anyway back to me, I have monday and tuesday off of school so me and my roommates decided we deserved a reward. We are going to the canary islands to an all inclusive resort. I am so excited. We leave in a few hours so that is why I am finishing up packing now. I can't wait to lay on the beach the whole 4 days. We are going there with no plans but to lay and turn golden brown. I have midterms when we get back so I will be studying while I am there but mostly I will be relaxing!Don't worry I will be taking plenty of pictures and I can't wait to write all about it. We are there for 4 days and fly home tuesday morning so we can study some more and recover from our vacation. Well now that I have made all of my loved ones nice and jealous I think it is time I get back to packing.!!!!! Keep me posted on your lives too....I want to know how home is! Love you all!!!! Miss you like crazy! Don't forget about me.!!!! lots of love!
Adios
ALY
Then we had a whole week of boring school.......Nothing fun ever happens there...lol Just kidding!! No we had dance class where we learned a whole new dance. I love this class and if you ask my dad he will tell you just how valuable art is because he was billed by SLU a classroom fee and wasn't too happy about it.....No but my classes really are going well. I had my first test last week and got a 99% on it! And it was in Oceanography. It was hard but I studied aton! I absolutely love that class. It is so interesting and my teacher is great.
Last weekend we went to Barcelona. It was one of my favorite trips because I love the city. Other than that part everything else was horrible....Our Hostel didn't turn on the heat and it was 40 Degrees, the airline messed up our flights and over charged me but wouldn't refund me, my roommate was sick, my parents were too busy to talk to me.....it was just a mess. I highly recommend going to Barcelona because it is so beautiful and historic and fun. Everything about the city is Spanish. The whole place has history from Columbus, to the Olympics to the industrial revolution. You can't throw a rock there with out hitting a monument. We ended out trip a little early to get home and away from the troubles and I arrived in Madrid to find my parents had sent me the best package for valentines day ever!!! It has cami's and nail polish and candy and hot chocolate.!!! It really made me feel better and stop making me miss home! It was perfect. Then I started getting excited because they will be coming to visit me soon.....
They are visiting over easter break!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to show them everything I love about Madrid!
Anyway back to me, I have monday and tuesday off of school so me and my roommates decided we deserved a reward. We are going to the canary islands to an all inclusive resort. I am so excited. We leave in a few hours so that is why I am finishing up packing now. I can't wait to lay on the beach the whole 4 days. We are going there with no plans but to lay and turn golden brown. I have midterms when we get back so I will be studying while I am there but mostly I will be relaxing!Don't worry I will be taking plenty of pictures and I can't wait to write all about it. We are there for 4 days and fly home tuesday morning so we can study some more and recover from our vacation. Well now that I have made all of my loved ones nice and jealous I think it is time I get back to packing.!!!!! Keep me posted on your lives too....I want to know how home is! Love you all!!!! Miss you like crazy! Don't forget about me.!!!! lots of love!
Adios
ALY
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time to travel.
Hello there!! I know I know I said I was going to blog about every other day. I haven't exactly been keeping up with that but I will try to put more effort into it. Recently in my life there has been alot going on. Last weekend I had some friends come in from out of town. They are all studying in Rome and wanted to see me and some of my friends studying here. It was good to see most of them....I mean its always hard to spend time in a large group of people especially when there ate alot of strong personalities. lol Well we only saw my friends for one night because after the first night I realized that if I'm going to be living in another country then I need to be surrounding meslef with new people. I can go to American bars back home. I live in Madrid Spain its one of the most alove cities in the world and I choose to spend time with mostly englich speaking student....well not anymore. Last Saturday me and my roommates when to a classmates dorm and realized just how fun it is to meet new people. We met all students at my school who are staying here 4 years. They were so nice and we all compared stories and backgrounds and it was really fun to branch out. Alot of them aren't American so that was nice to expand my friend circle. If living here has taught me anything it is that I need to stop being so comfortable. I was comfortable with my old friends and going to the same bar. Not anymore I am going to try new things because I'm living here once and I need to make memories that are unforgettable and not stay in my American bubble.
Anyways the rest of my week has mostly been school. I love my classes still which is good. I have really great teachers. Also alot of my classmates are really nice. I have met a few people that are studying abroad next semester at SLU's home campus so we can hang out when they come visit me. My dance class is by far my favorite class. Now my best let me add but defiantly the most entertaining. I'm not a bad dancer but I am not as good as erica. We learned a dip yesterday where I put all my weight on one leg and fall almost into the splits......its not my favorite but we have to do it to end our final showcase so I have till April to practice. We preform for the whole school at this show and its filmed so I will buy a copy and invite you all over to see it.
Tonight....well actually in about an hour I will be leaving on my first weekend trip. We are going to Sevilla. Its about a 6 hour bus ride so we are taking a night bus so we can sleep on the bus and get there in the morning.I'm excited to go. It is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It is tropical so it will be warm and they have the 3rd largest church in the world!!!!! I'm actually going to look at it for Lc's wedding. Just Kidding!! They also have huge Salsa shows and dances in the street, and great historical museums. I can't wait to leave. Other than the bus ride it should be great!!! Don't worry we will be getting back on sunday just in time to go watch the Superbowl! I will try and figure out a way to upload some photos for everyone to see!!! Well I better go pack! I love and miss you all!!!!!
I hope to return with many great stories and good pictures. THINKING OF YOU GUYS ALWAYS!!! love you!
Aly
Anyways the rest of my week has mostly been school. I love my classes still which is good. I have really great teachers. Also alot of my classmates are really nice. I have met a few people that are studying abroad next semester at SLU's home campus so we can hang out when they come visit me. My dance class is by far my favorite class. Now my best let me add but defiantly the most entertaining. I'm not a bad dancer but I am not as good as erica. We learned a dip yesterday where I put all my weight on one leg and fall almost into the splits......its not my favorite but we have to do it to end our final showcase so I have till April to practice. We preform for the whole school at this show and its filmed so I will buy a copy and invite you all over to see it.
Tonight....well actually in about an hour I will be leaving on my first weekend trip. We are going to Sevilla. Its about a 6 hour bus ride so we are taking a night bus so we can sleep on the bus and get there in the morning.I'm excited to go. It is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It is tropical so it will be warm and they have the 3rd largest church in the world!!!!! I'm actually going to look at it for Lc's wedding. Just Kidding!! They also have huge Salsa shows and dances in the street, and great historical museums. I can't wait to leave. Other than the bus ride it should be great!!! Don't worry we will be getting back on sunday just in time to go watch the Superbowl! I will try and figure out a way to upload some photos for everyone to see!!! Well I better go pack! I love and miss you all!!!!!
I hope to return with many great stories and good pictures. THINKING OF YOU GUYS ALWAYS!!! love you!
Aly
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I feel like my dance class should be rated mature.
Hello all my faithful blog followers. It was another beautiful day in Madrid. Slightly colder than normal but still very nice when comparing to the weather I am used to having at regular SLU. It was a great day today because I got to skype with my whole family. It gets pretty crazy when we talk we all get really loud and I get to see all the dogs so it can get a little nuts. All of my roommates laugh when I call my family because they wonder which dog I am visiting with. Anyways on to more eventful things. I officially have one trip planned. We are going to the Canary Islands located west of Africa for 4 days during out winter break. I am so excited. We found a website that offers very cheap but safe air fare. Then we did some searching and found hotels on the Beach that are all inclusive. This time of year is perfect because it is during this season called Carnival. It is the last weekend and there are parades every night with bands and what not. I can't wait. Also it will be nice to get a tan since it will be over 70 degrees all the time! I am going with all my roommates and my trusty body guards Chris and Jimmy. For out next trip we are looking into Barcelona, which I've already been to but loved so I can't wait to go back! Or, possible going to Paris or London. AGH!! That's what I love I could go anywhere for three days and come right back and still go to school! This really is the life for me....well at least for a short time that my bank account lasts!
So as you all know I am taking a Latin Dance Class. I love it. We have so much fun in class, and it really is a work out. Not to mention the fact there are so many cute guys in my class. One of which I have developed a mild crush on. Aaron he is an engineer from Indiana, and my dad warned me about engineer's( I mean my uncle Keith is an engineer...lol). He has been my partner the last 2 dances and we are both really good but these last classes we have done some moves that are pretty tough. Like last class we learned two different dips. When I say dips I mean the guy is literally holding me inches from the ground. Scary. One of them our bodies are next to each other then he turns and drops me and catches me at the last second. Don't worry no one has been dropped yet but still there is always a possibility. We have a final performance in April and we wear full dresses and everything. I will buy the DVD so I can show off my skills. I was thinking maybe I could do a mini performance at the wedding for LC and Chad. lol KIDDING!!!
I have some friends coming from Rome this weekend. That should be fun. I'm excited to show people around the city. It will be the first true test to see if I am as adjusted as I think I am. I'm nervous but I'm sure it will be fine. It's getting late here and I need lots of energy for dance tomorrow but don't worry I will remember everything that happens so I can add it to my next blog! Love you all!
Miss you tons. DOn't forget to email me! Acolee@slu.edu
<3 Aly
So as you all know I am taking a Latin Dance Class. I love it. We have so much fun in class, and it really is a work out. Not to mention the fact there are so many cute guys in my class. One of which I have developed a mild crush on. Aaron he is an engineer from Indiana, and my dad warned me about engineer's( I mean my uncle Keith is an engineer...lol). He has been my partner the last 2 dances and we are both really good but these last classes we have done some moves that are pretty tough. Like last class we learned two different dips. When I say dips I mean the guy is literally holding me inches from the ground. Scary. One of them our bodies are next to each other then he turns and drops me and catches me at the last second. Don't worry no one has been dropped yet but still there is always a possibility. We have a final performance in April and we wear full dresses and everything. I will buy the DVD so I can show off my skills. I was thinking maybe I could do a mini performance at the wedding for LC and Chad. lol KIDDING!!!
I have some friends coming from Rome this weekend. That should be fun. I'm excited to show people around the city. It will be the first true test to see if I am as adjusted as I think I am. I'm nervous but I'm sure it will be fine. It's getting late here and I need lots of energy for dance tomorrow but don't worry I will remember everything that happens so I can add it to my next blog! Love you all!
Miss you tons. DOn't forget to email me! Acolee@slu.edu
<3 Aly
Monday, January 25, 2010
School in Europe Rocks!!!
So we had Cuban for dinner tonight...it is safe to say that I may not be a fan of Cuban food. It was interesting to say the least. It was a rice dish that had a spicy hot sauce on top of it. Then as the protein we had two sunny side up eggs and a caramelized banana. I loved the banana and the rice that didn't have any sauce other than that I made a big food pile and pushed it around the rest of dinner. For dessert we had cake so that was good!!! Anyways the food here is growing on me but it's still hard to adjust to eating so late here. I just skyped my dad and he was very adamant about when he gets to Madrid we will be eating at 5! Which I thought was very funny because if we eat 5 we will be the only people in the restaurants.
In other news my dancing is a huge hit here! I am really loving my dance class. Our teacher is very funny and she makes learning the steps so easy. We start off class every day with warm ups. We have to walk to a dance studio a block from school and the whole studio is mirrors so that we can watch our body movements. Well all during warm ups we do these crazy skills and me and all my roommates end up just laughing at each other because we all look so silly. I have mastered the beginner version of the tango. Next week out teacher is taking us to a salsa club to try out the two dances we have learned. I think we will have so much fun because all my friends and I are in the class and it will just be so funny to see 20 American students trying to latin dance in a club.
I talked to my parents for the first time today in a few days. It was awesome to get to talk to them. I missed them all weekend but we kept missing eachother with them being in chicago. They were at the merchandise mart which as many of you know is my favorite time of year....It was a sad day that I couldn't be with them. Normally dad and I take all the lotion and lip balm samples that we can smuggle out. Mom said that LC got some wedding stuff there which is exciting I cant wait to see what is going on with the wedding. It's so weird that my sister will have her wedding planned when I get back. Good think I'm in that dance class because I want to look good in a bridesmaid dress. lol
I'm trying to go to a Real Madrid game. I need to get bub a jersey but since they are really expensive I might get him a fake one at the flea market. lol Love you BUB! Although I did look at the roster and real Madrid is very attractive as a whole. I can't wait and I will have to keep you posted.
Today one of my roommates found out that her grandfather passed away late last night. She has been sick all week with a sinus infection and hasn't gone to school yet. So she is not having a good time. She is an only child and I don't know how she is holding it together. My family is so important to me that I would be a wreak if anything ever happened. I truly and blessed to have such a happy and healthy family to love and support me.
I am going to go to bed early tonight because I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I think its mostly the change in sleep and weather. I will be fine but I need to start sleeping more. As per the request of Dale I am going to start writing every other day as to keep you all updated on my everyday life. I know I am so exciting that you are back home are just waiting on my every word. lol
I am off to bed but I love all of you and don't forget if you would like a post card leave your address. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!!!
Adios.
oh ps My address while in spain is
Ana Anton
attn: Aly Colee
Calle Arenal 20-5 degrees Iz
28013 Madrid Spain
Aly
In other news my dancing is a huge hit here! I am really loving my dance class. Our teacher is very funny and she makes learning the steps so easy. We start off class every day with warm ups. We have to walk to a dance studio a block from school and the whole studio is mirrors so that we can watch our body movements. Well all during warm ups we do these crazy skills and me and all my roommates end up just laughing at each other because we all look so silly. I have mastered the beginner version of the tango. Next week out teacher is taking us to a salsa club to try out the two dances we have learned. I think we will have so much fun because all my friends and I are in the class and it will just be so funny to see 20 American students trying to latin dance in a club.
I talked to my parents for the first time today in a few days. It was awesome to get to talk to them. I missed them all weekend but we kept missing eachother with them being in chicago. They were at the merchandise mart which as many of you know is my favorite time of year....It was a sad day that I couldn't be with them. Normally dad and I take all the lotion and lip balm samples that we can smuggle out. Mom said that LC got some wedding stuff there which is exciting I cant wait to see what is going on with the wedding. It's so weird that my sister will have her wedding planned when I get back. Good think I'm in that dance class because I want to look good in a bridesmaid dress. lol
I'm trying to go to a Real Madrid game. I need to get bub a jersey but since they are really expensive I might get him a fake one at the flea market. lol Love you BUB! Although I did look at the roster and real Madrid is very attractive as a whole. I can't wait and I will have to keep you posted.
Today one of my roommates found out that her grandfather passed away late last night. She has been sick all week with a sinus infection and hasn't gone to school yet. So she is not having a good time. She is an only child and I don't know how she is holding it together. My family is so important to me that I would be a wreak if anything ever happened. I truly and blessed to have such a happy and healthy family to love and support me.
I am going to go to bed early tonight because I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I think its mostly the change in sleep and weather. I will be fine but I need to start sleeping more. As per the request of Dale I am going to start writing every other day as to keep you all updated on my everyday life. I know I am so exciting that you are back home are just waiting on my every word. lol
I am off to bed but I love all of you and don't forget if you would like a post card leave your address. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!!!
Adios.
oh ps My address while in spain is
Ana Anton
attn: Aly Colee
Calle Arenal 20-5 degrees Iz
28013 Madrid Spain
Aly
̊
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Holy Toledo and a few tips from the locals....
Hola my wonderful friends and family,
Well this past weekend my crazy roommates and a few other tag alongs( known as my guy friends Chris and Jimmy) decided to go on a few day trips. SLU Madrid where I am studying offers educational day trips, a total of 4 that cost 40 Euros for transportation to and from along with a few tours of the main attractions. BUT since SLU is so giving two trips will be discounted to half price if you sign up in time. Well my group wasn't exactly punctual about signing up for these trips so we were wait listed....so we talked to our wonderful host mom Ana and she suggested we go on our own. The public transportation system in Europe is so much nicer than in the U.S. so we looked into the idea of taking a bus to the places. We realized that we could go to both the cities the school was going to for cheaper. So Saturday we woke up and went to Segovia which is a small town about an hour bus ride away. Segovia is known for having a Roman aqueduct, a beautiful cathedral and an Alcazar( which is french fortress). This Alcazar is believed to be the inspiration Walt Disney used to design the Disney castle at Disney World. Upon arriving in Segovia we quickly realized the town was very small, and it was obvious we were tourists by the hundreds of groups photos we were taking as well as us stopping at every information sign to grab a pamphlet. Anyways we continued on and the Aqueduct was beautiful and so detailed. It stood about 100 feet tall and it was amazing to think about how hundreds of years ago people designed and constructed these buildings. Next we went on a church tour. I have no pictures of this because cameras are banned in the church but thats fine because the church was so cold we could all see our breaths. The final tour we went on was the Alcazar which was amazing!! the rooms were so ornate and the artifacts they had were so cool. we took so many pictures...we even have pictures of a view from the 152 stair climb to the top of one of the towers....imagine 7 college kids running up a spiral stone staircase and you will be laughing as much as we all were trying to race up it. After this we headed to leave but not with out stopping at a pasty show to try some local food. The kiwi tart tasted so good but the best had to be the local custard dish that tasted like Christmas was baked into a dessert. It was amazing....That was our Saturday.
Sunday we ventured to another city called Toledo. It is where the phrase Holy Toledo comes from because most of the Jews who came to the Unites States came from and would refer to it as theri holy land, and also because there is a large following of both catholic and Muslim faith based in this city as well as having a Cathedral, a mosque and a synagogue all in one city of only 10,000. Toledo is also a city that is dicussed in the only Spanish book I've read of Don Quote de la Manca. Toledo is the capitol of the area of Mancha. We walked around all day but the city is literally rolling with hills the streets go up and down up and down all the time. It was a nice work out for my future bridesmaid dress wearing obligations....After all of these tours we walked around and shopped because other than being a religious hot spot Toledo is also known for their craftsmanship. This tiny town made all of the swords for the Lord of the Rings Movies. So COOL!! but they also had cheap beautiful jewelry and I bought a ring. Toledo offers a train care tour around the walls of the city which was our last adventure before returning home....It was so beautiful! I have the neatest pictures of the city and all its sights. After making a quick stop at Mcdonalds to try out their treats such as a Toblerone mcflurries....SO good we headed back home... this is where you realize just how nervous I am.
So if traveling has taught me anything it is that I have become so freaked out about being pick pocketed that I have become crazy. Rarely a minute goes by where I dont check my bag, purse or backpack for all of my belongs multiple times. At orientation they told us we will be targeted by people all the time since they all know we are Americans. Well as we get on the bus I am sitting in my seat next to Christina Huber and try to fall asleep for the hour ride home. As I go to grab my ipod I can't seem to find it. I rummage through my backpack and find my school phone my black berrry my wallet and my camera. No camera case and NO IPOD!!! I begin to feel sweaty which most of you know is not good for me! I look again and again! I tell Christina and she tells me to clam down take it all out! I did nothing. I am sure I was pick pocketed by the little boy behind me in line at McDonalds of course it was him I stood there as I payed I felt something on my leg that was it~! I was sitting there tearing up on the bus with 15 or so of my friends so upset about not having my Christmas present. I used my ipod all the time. I use it to skype my parents, email, for music and more...my world was now gone!! as I shift me weight in my seat and tell all my friends why I am upset about being pick pocketed I notice something very strange. My seat wasn't comfortable..... I look and THERE IS MY IPOD!!!! I had taken it out as soon as I got on the bus! I had to tell Christina and she gave me so much crap! Now all of my friends excessively make fun of my stupidity! Its a funny story...just not yet because it is still kinda scary.
As for the rest of my life School is going good! I can't wait for this week and the next few weeks to get more invested in classes. I would like to audit another class which basically means that I can participate in the class but do not get graded so so tests or quizzes! Its called Earths and Sciences Volcanoes..its supposed to be so interesting...and as a bonus the teacher is muy guapo and there is a trip to the Cannery Islands!!! I haven't really decided though......
As for now my dinner is ready so I better be going but I love all of you and feel free to skype me or comment so I can talk to you!!1 LOVE and MISS you ALL!!!! xoxox
Adios
Aly
Well this past weekend my crazy roommates and a few other tag alongs( known as my guy friends Chris and Jimmy) decided to go on a few day trips. SLU Madrid where I am studying offers educational day trips, a total of 4 that cost 40 Euros for transportation to and from along with a few tours of the main attractions. BUT since SLU is so giving two trips will be discounted to half price if you sign up in time. Well my group wasn't exactly punctual about signing up for these trips so we were wait listed....so we talked to our wonderful host mom Ana and she suggested we go on our own. The public transportation system in Europe is so much nicer than in the U.S. so we looked into the idea of taking a bus to the places. We realized that we could go to both the cities the school was going to for cheaper. So Saturday we woke up and went to Segovia which is a small town about an hour bus ride away. Segovia is known for having a Roman aqueduct, a beautiful cathedral and an Alcazar( which is french fortress). This Alcazar is believed to be the inspiration Walt Disney used to design the Disney castle at Disney World. Upon arriving in Segovia we quickly realized the town was very small, and it was obvious we were tourists by the hundreds of groups photos we were taking as well as us stopping at every information sign to grab a pamphlet. Anyways we continued on and the Aqueduct was beautiful and so detailed. It stood about 100 feet tall and it was amazing to think about how hundreds of years ago people designed and constructed these buildings. Next we went on a church tour. I have no pictures of this because cameras are banned in the church but thats fine because the church was so cold we could all see our breaths. The final tour we went on was the Alcazar which was amazing!! the rooms were so ornate and the artifacts they had were so cool. we took so many pictures...we even have pictures of a view from the 152 stair climb to the top of one of the towers....imagine 7 college kids running up a spiral stone staircase and you will be laughing as much as we all were trying to race up it. After this we headed to leave but not with out stopping at a pasty show to try some local food. The kiwi tart tasted so good but the best had to be the local custard dish that tasted like Christmas was baked into a dessert. It was amazing....That was our Saturday.
Sunday we ventured to another city called Toledo. It is where the phrase Holy Toledo comes from because most of the Jews who came to the Unites States came from and would refer to it as theri holy land, and also because there is a large following of both catholic and Muslim faith based in this city as well as having a Cathedral, a mosque and a synagogue all in one city of only 10,000. Toledo is also a city that is dicussed in the only Spanish book I've read of Don Quote de la Manca. Toledo is the capitol of the area of Mancha. We walked around all day but the city is literally rolling with hills the streets go up and down up and down all the time. It was a nice work out for my future bridesmaid dress wearing obligations....After all of these tours we walked around and shopped because other than being a religious hot spot Toledo is also known for their craftsmanship. This tiny town made all of the swords for the Lord of the Rings Movies. So COOL!! but they also had cheap beautiful jewelry and I bought a ring. Toledo offers a train care tour around the walls of the city which was our last adventure before returning home....It was so beautiful! I have the neatest pictures of the city and all its sights. After making a quick stop at Mcdonalds to try out their treats such as a Toblerone mcflurries....SO good we headed back home... this is where you realize just how nervous I am.
So if traveling has taught me anything it is that I have become so freaked out about being pick pocketed that I have become crazy. Rarely a minute goes by where I dont check my bag, purse or backpack for all of my belongs multiple times. At orientation they told us we will be targeted by people all the time since they all know we are Americans. Well as we get on the bus I am sitting in my seat next to Christina Huber and try to fall asleep for the hour ride home. As I go to grab my ipod I can't seem to find it. I rummage through my backpack and find my school phone my black berrry my wallet and my camera. No camera case and NO IPOD!!! I begin to feel sweaty which most of you know is not good for me! I look again and again! I tell Christina and she tells me to clam down take it all out! I did nothing. I am sure I was pick pocketed by the little boy behind me in line at McDonalds of course it was him I stood there as I payed I felt something on my leg that was it~! I was sitting there tearing up on the bus with 15 or so of my friends so upset about not having my Christmas present. I used my ipod all the time. I use it to skype my parents, email, for music and more...my world was now gone!! as I shift me weight in my seat and tell all my friends why I am upset about being pick pocketed I notice something very strange. My seat wasn't comfortable..... I look and THERE IS MY IPOD!!!! I had taken it out as soon as I got on the bus! I had to tell Christina and she gave me so much crap! Now all of my friends excessively make fun of my stupidity! Its a funny story...just not yet because it is still kinda scary.
As for the rest of my life School is going good! I can't wait for this week and the next few weeks to get more invested in classes. I would like to audit another class which basically means that I can participate in the class but do not get graded so so tests or quizzes! Its called Earths and Sciences Volcanoes..its supposed to be so interesting...and as a bonus the teacher is muy guapo and there is a trip to the Cannery Islands!!! I haven't really decided though......
As for now my dinner is ready so I better be going but I love all of you and feel free to skype me or comment so I can talk to you!!1 LOVE and MISS you ALL!!!! xoxox
Adios
Aly
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dear Madrid, I hope you're ready for me!
Hola! So let me begin to fill you in on my time this week in my new home. Well as most of you know the reason I came here was to study, I guess all the shopping, sights, amazing food, and traveling is bonus. I started school on Wenesday the 13th and I had History of Modern Spain, Anthropology and Oceanography. I have these classes Mondays and Wednesdays. My day starts at 2:30 and goes untill 6:45. Yes and even though I'm in Spain that rigerouse grading scale and Jesuit mission still made it past customs and will once again be haunting me here as well. No I'm looking forward to school. My classes seem challenging but I'm excited for all of them. In Modern History of Spain my professor is English and has a think accent. He is a younger man that has traveled all over the world for school so he will be teaching about Spain as more than just a country but a piece of the global puzzle. He said we will be taking lots of field trips especially since my school is about 5 minutes from the entrance to the city that was barricaded during the revolution. In Anthropology I have a young teacher who is all about changing the world one Jane Goodall book at a time. lol This is one of the classes I have with Christina, my roommate, and it sounds interesting because we will reading a lot of interviews as well as case studies. I think our teachers zest for the class will really help aid me in wanting to pay attention especially as it starts to warm up. My last class on Mondays and Wednesdays is Oceanography. Now many people think that I am taking this as a blow off class, well I would be lying not to admit that I think it will be one of the easier excepted science courses but after our first class it sounds challenging but so interesting. After my course I should be able to explain almost anything weather wise and relate it back to its result of oceanic activity. It sounds very interesting because we go on a trip to Alicante. Its a city on the southern tip of Spain that is supposed to be gorgeous. There I will looking at the ocean as a source of life and as an industry. This area has the first ever national oceanic reserve in Spain as well as a Salt Mine. I can't wait to go because it sounds so cool to be able to explore the reserve and go snorkeling. My only class on Thursday is my dance class. And as many of you know I have always thought that dance is my true calling.... yeah Right! But the class is actually going to be so fun! All of my friends are in the class and the first day we learned a few different 8 counts of a very fast paced latin dance! So I will be showcasing my moves at Lc's wedding! The class is normally three hours two days a week and the first day we only went for an hour and we all walked out dripping in sweat! I am hoping this class will be my one of my weekly workouts. So far school is awesome!
Other than school Madrid is one of the most interesting and alive cities in the world. My neighborhood as I mentioned before is so fun. I live in the heart of the city. Since we do not have class on Fridays my friends and I took a walking tour of Madrid today. All the the top 5 must see sites are within a 15 minute walk of my front door! I am so blessed. We started out today going to Puerto del Sol which is on my street about a 100 feet away. It has music and street vendors and people everywhere. We then walked down the street 10 minutes and ended up at the Plaza Mayor. This is one of the most historic sites in Madrid. It used to be the center of trade. Now its very touristy so there are stands everywhere. After that we walked to the palacia Real. The real Palace is where the Royal Madrid family used to live. It is huge!!! I was amazed by all of the buildings because every detail is so thought out. After this we walked to the Art musuem. It is free after 6pm so we decided to go then to save a few euros. And with the dollar the way it is I can use some extra euros. lol The museum was beautiful. There was a marble table imported from rome that was made in the year 0. and next to it was a chair sat on my Isabella II made of gold. These are just a few of the kool things I got to do on my day off in Madrid. This is so cool!
I'm so fortunate to have this opportunity. I talked to my mom today and she said that they booked a flight to see me over easter and will be able to see Madrid for 2 days so I can't wait to show them everything. I'm trying to figure out how to upload some pictures of all my trips. This weekend I have two day trips planned, but I will touch on those in my next blog!! I love all you you and can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!!! I need all of your addresses so I can send you a post card of some of my sights! Love you all the way from Madrid!
Hasta Luego!
Aly
Other than school Madrid is one of the most interesting and alive cities in the world. My neighborhood as I mentioned before is so fun. I live in the heart of the city. Since we do not have class on Fridays my friends and I took a walking tour of Madrid today. All the the top 5 must see sites are within a 15 minute walk of my front door! I am so blessed. We started out today going to Puerto del Sol which is on my street about a 100 feet away. It has music and street vendors and people everywhere. We then walked down the street 10 minutes and ended up at the Plaza Mayor. This is one of the most historic sites in Madrid. It used to be the center of trade. Now its very touristy so there are stands everywhere. After that we walked to the palacia Real. The real Palace is where the Royal Madrid family used to live. It is huge!!! I was amazed by all of the buildings because every detail is so thought out. After this we walked to the Art musuem. It is free after 6pm so we decided to go then to save a few euros. And with the dollar the way it is I can use some extra euros. lol The museum was beautiful. There was a marble table imported from rome that was made in the year 0. and next to it was a chair sat on my Isabella II made of gold. These are just a few of the kool things I got to do on my day off in Madrid. This is so cool!
I'm so fortunate to have this opportunity. I talked to my mom today and she said that they booked a flight to see me over easter and will be able to see Madrid for 2 days so I can't wait to show them everything. I'm trying to figure out how to upload some pictures of all my trips. This weekend I have two day trips planned, but I will touch on those in my next blog!! I love all you you and can't wait to share my experiences with everyone!!! I need all of your addresses so I can send you a post card of some of my sights! Love you all the way from Madrid!
Hasta Luego!
Aly
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